Just when we think we can't bear to eat another potato or turnip, the ramp harvest arrives and boosts the morale of the foodie community. We’re going to welcome these early risers of spring by cooking up this spicy and smoky side dish from Floyd Cardoz. It's a bright sautée of ramps and spinach, enriched with bacon and laced with fragrant spices. Get the recipe here.

When Miami chef Timon Balloo cooked at the Beard House in early November, he took the ubiquitous canapé-tray combo of dates and bacon and packed it with Iberian flavor—literally. He stuffs the fruit with a combination of Manchego and linguiça,a garlicky sausage from Portugal. Get the recipe here.